Death to the Feeble Masses

Receiving the Evcharist is our weekly feature where we pair choice albums with our favorite libations. Drink from the cup of heresy. This week’s offering: Celeste’s Infidèle(s) and Strand Brewing Company’s Beach House Amber Ale.

The Metal: Celeste’s Infidèle(s)

Celeste were a band I had on my radar to check out for quite a while. The people I saw talk about the band spoke so passionately about them, that I knew I had to see what the fuss was about. Yet while diving in to their 2010 album Morte(s) Née(s), my initial response was that I liked them, but there wasn’t much I thought would draw me back. Upon learning that they were releasing a new album this year, however, I decided to try again, and this time I think I finally understand what the hype was all about. Infidèle(s) connects with me in a way that Morte(s) Née(s) didn’t. This feels like a much more fleshed out album, in particular the way the band employs more variance here in the drum and guitar patterns. The characteristic swirling wall of guitars and mid-tempo sludge-y drumming the band is known for is still here, but breaking things up now are blast beats, palm-muted galloping guitar runs, and even an honest to goodness breakdown on “Sombres sont tes déboires” that keeps things from becoming monotonous and ups the aggression factor significantly. This is the album I wanted from this band, and I’m happy to finally and honestly call myself a fan of theirs.

This isn’t my first experience with Strand Brewing, but this is my first time trying the Beach House Amber Ale. I’m not usually a fan of amber ales but I find this evening that the Beach House is going down quite nicely. This is a good, crowd-pleasing beer. The strong malt backbone is balanced out with a subtle amount of hops, keeping the finish from being too caramel-y cloying. The light body also adds to the refreshing nature of the drink. It’s a simple recipe done the right way, and sometimes that’s better than anything with a hundred fancy ingredients.

Put another one on the board folks. You got through this week and so did I. Here’s to us, and I hope to find you again next week. Until then,